Keepers at Jersey Zoo did not expect to stumble across a one-legged panda hiding in the foliage whilst carrying out routine gardening tasks this month…
The surprise sighting was not a sign of a new breeding programme, but a cuddly toy bear that had been on a year-long adventure around the zoo.
Mammal keepers were carrying out some gardening tasks at the beginning of August when they discovered the lonesome toy.
A Durrell spokesperson explained: “When cutting some dense bamboo near the orangutan enclosure at the start of the month, two of our mammal team found a new species at Jersey Zoo: a fluffy, one-legged panda bear.
“The panda had sadly been separated from its owner and taken some refuge in some nearby foliage.”
The inquisitive bear was cared for by zoo keepers, before being reunited with its owner.
“Our team did what they would with any other animal in our care and gave it some TLC,” the spokesperson added.
“This included helping the panda get into its best possible shape with a good clean, dry and then visit to see some familiar faces, including Dagu our male orangutan!”
Panda owner Claire Le Maistre, who was located following a social media appeal, said it was “amazing” to be reunited.
“This is my daughter’s panda,” she explained. “He’s been on a year long adventure at the zoo, and she’s very excited he’s ready to come home!”
Jersey Zoo visitors are asked to hand in any lost property to the Visitor Centre.
